REIGNING champions Featherstone joined Halifax at the top of the early Co-operative Championship standings after overcoming a half-time deficit to win 24-12 at Dewsbury.

Ian Hardman’s 33rd-minute try gave 2011 Grand Final winners Rovers first blood, but the Rams quickly moved in front with a try from Ryan Esders and Pat Walker’s kick.

A second-half brace from Andy Kain (42 and 65) put Rovers in control, with Matty Dale also touching down and Liam Finn claiming eight points. Featherstone are second, behind Halifax on points difference, having won all three of their matches so far.

Swinton climbed off the bottom of the table as they came from behind to beat Batley 26-18 at home.

They were replaced by the Hunslet Hawks at the bottom after they succumbed to a 48-6 loss at the Keighley Cougars.

The home side ran in eight tries, with Danny Jones converting them all for a personal haul of 16 points.